Library Archives
Science Fiction
Expeditionary Force
by Craig Alanson
The Ancillary Series
by Anne Leckie
The story of a young soldier who becomes caught in Earth's first interstellar war. After befriending an advanced alien A.I., he becomes the hero and savior of humanity and a force that will change the order of the galaxy. Funny, action-packed, and provocative, it is best experienced on Audible due to the astoundingly good narration.
Composed of 3 books, starting with the award-winning Ancillary Justice, this series is one of the most creative. Following the journey of a ship A.I. now trapped in a human body, she works to uncover the crimes of ruler and the civil war that ruler is fighting with herself.
World War Z
by Max Brooks
I don't do a lot of zombie apocalypse, but World War Z is how to do it right. If you want one of the best examples of how a movie is NOT like the original book, this is exhibit A. If you happen to have watched the movie, ignore it and read the book instead. Presented as a gripping oral history (series of interviews) it gives us one of the most dramatic and cerebral views of what a world torn apart by the undead might look like. It could have been real!
Fantasy
The Throne of Glass Series
by Sarah J. Maas
An incredible YA fantasy adventure follows the journey of a young princess turned assassin as she discovers her true heritage and magical power, fighting a tyrant king, a demonic invasion, and finding true love.
The Shannara Series
by Terry Brooks
This is one of my classic favorites. There are many books in the series with the Elfstones of Shannara standing as my favorite. It was made into a television series that certainly does not do it justice. Each book is relatively standalone except for the later collections of trilogies. It is classical high-fantasy at its best.
LGBTQ
History is All You Left Me
by Adam Silvera
One of the most difficult novels I've ever read in terms of emotional impact, I also consider it a masterpiece of both writing and structure. It follows the story of a New York teen whose best friend died in a drowning accident. It is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale of love, loss, grief, and how to move on with life after a tragedy. See my blog post review about the book for more.
More Happy Than Not
by Adam Silvera
There's something about Adam Silvera's books. They are gripping while also tearing your heart apart, and I think they are must-reads for everyone. This book is no exception, following the story of a young man who undergoes a procedure to erase his memory of being gay, the block is eventually undone and he must learn to cope with his past and accept himself.
Date Me, Bryson Keller
by Kevin van Whye
I don't find this uplifting romantic comedy on enough book lists. It is much more of a feel-good story than most of these, giving us the simple pleasure of a dual coming-out story grounded in a beautiful relationship. If Silevera's novels have torn you apart, this book can help you find the simple goodness of love again. See my blog post review about this book for more.
Right Where I Left You
by Julian Winters
A delightful romance story about two best friends who discover they are more than friends. It is a classic friends-to-lovers romance that is touching and fun and teaches you that sometimes who you really love has been with you all along. Don't be afraid to take hold of them.
The Summer of Everything
by Julian Winters
Another adorable friends-to-lovers romance from Julian Winters (I think he's the best at it). The background story of this novel gripped me more than most, as a group of friends struggles to save a failing independent bookstore. In the process, the protagonist learns how to find love and how it's okay to let go of the past. There is a whole life ahead of you!
Ready When You Are
by Gary Lonesborough
I was unsure of this book when I first started it, but boy am I glad I stuck it out past the first chapter. It is a touching coming-out story of an Aboriginal boy who learns to accept the fact he is gay and finds an incredible and unexpected love. There are struggles with racism and a look into the Aboriginal culture that adds intriguing richness and drama to the love story.